Police are investigating an apparent drowning in Gulfport.
- Victim ID'd 53-year-old David Cook
- Police called out to water rescue Monday afternoon
- Man pulled from water but did not survive
Officers were dispatched to a water rescue call in Boca Ciega Bay near the Gulfport Casino at 12:47 p.m.
According to police, a boater in the bay called 911 after seeing a man in distress in the water.
The witness said that he climbed into his dinghy and went to try to help the man. Unfortunately, he was not able to get him into his dinghy, but was able to give him a personal flotation device.
The witness then went back to his boat and called 911 for assistance.
Responding officers pulled the man from the water. One of the officers began chest compressions while the other piloted the boat to Gulfport Casino dock, where the Gulfport Fire Department was waiting.
The man, identified as 53-year-old David Cook, was transported to Palms of Pasadena; however he never regained consciousness.
The preliminary investigation indicates this was an accidental drowning that likely involved alcohol, according to police.